Tests that check whether the liver is healthy and processing substances correctly.
ALT is the most liver-specific enzyme in the standard panel. When liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, making it a sensitive early warning for hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and medication toxicity.
Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, made exclusively by the liver. It maintains oncotic pressure (keeping fluid in blood vessels) and transports hormones, drugs, and fatty acids. Low albumin is one of medicine's most informative and under-appreciated findings.
Bilirubin is the yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down. High bilirubin causes jaundice and signals problems with red cell destruction, liver processing, or bile duct drainage.
